Duterte forms committee to study inclusion of nuclear energy in power mix

President Rodrigo Duterte has formed an inter-agency committee to study the possibility of tapping nuclear energy as the Philippines seeks to ensure steady power supply to meet the demands of a growing population and its economy. 

Signed by the President on July 24, Executive Order 116 created the Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee headed by the Department of Energy, with the Department of Science and Technology as vice chairperson.

Its members include the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Finance, Department of Foreign Affairs, National Economic and Development Authority, National Power Corporation, National Transmission Corporation, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. 

The body was tasked to evaluate and assess the need for and viability of introducing nuclear power into the country’s energy mix, taking into consideration economic, security and environmental implications, and engagement of the public and relevant stakeholders.

Duterte also directed the committee to formulate a roadmap and timeline in the preparation of the Nuclear Energy Program, measures to address infrastructure gaps, and recommend the necessary steps in the utilization of existing facilities such as but not limited to the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.

The committee was given six months to submit an initial report to the Office of the President. Succeeding reports will be submitted every six months.

The order took effect immediately. 

“The experience of a number of countries has shown that nuclear power can be a reliable, cost-competitive and environment-friendly energy source,” the EO stated.

“There is an imperative need to revisit the country’s policy on nuclear energy and determine its feasibility as a long-term option for power generation.” 

Last year, the Philippines and Russia agreed to explore the possible construction of nuclear power plants in the country, whose current energy mix includes fossil fuels, geothermal and hydro sources as well as biomass. 

But environmentalists, including Greenpeace, urged the government not to pursue nuclear power, citing safety concerns. —KG, GMA News